Glossary Term
Scannability
The ease with which a barcode can be accurately read by a scanning device on the first attempt, determined by print quality, contrast, and layout.
The Zero-Tolerance Zone
In an Amazon warehouse, there is no room for "maybe." If a barcode doesn’t scan instantly, the unit is set aside. This is "Scannability." Factors that kill scannability include low ink (on inkjet printers), "ribbon wrinkles" (on thermal transfer), or labels that are physically too small for the scanner’s resolution.
Ensuring a 100% Scan Rate
To guarantee scannability, you must use high-quality thermal printers and ensure your label designs have a proper "Quiet Zone" (the white space around the barcode). LabelResizer optimizes every PDF for thermal heads, ensuring the black bars are perfectly crisp and the whites are pure, even at 203 DPI.
- Poor scannability leads to "Unplanned Prep Fees" from Amazon.
- Check scannability with a simple smartphone app before shipping.
- Avoid placing clear tape over barcodes, as it causes glare.